by Missions are a core aspect of the Christian faith, reflecting the call to spread the Gospel and serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. The Bible is filled with verses that encourage and command believers to engage in mission work, both locally and globally. Below are 32 Bible verses about missions, each followed by a commentary to provide deeper insight into their meaning and application.
Bible Verses About Missions
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually – regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
Commentary: This is known as the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go out and make disciples of all nations. It underscores the universal scope of the Gospel message and the continuous presence of Jesus with His followers. This mission is not limited to a particular group but extends to every nation, teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded, ensuring that His teachings are perpetuated.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”
Commentary: This verse highlights the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to be witnesses for Christ. The progression from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria, and then to the ends of the earth, shows the expansive reach of the mission. It emphasizes that the power to witness and spread the Gospel is a divine enablement, not reliant on human strength alone.
Romans 10:13-15
“For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord [in prayer] will be saved.’ But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher [messenger]? And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!'”
Commentary: This passage outlines the necessity of preaching for the spread of the Gospel. It raises rhetorical questions to emphasize the need for messengers who will proclaim the Good News. The quote from Isaiah underscores the beauty and importance of those who bring the message of salvation, highlighting the interconnectedness of believing, hearing, and preaching.
Matthew 9:37-38
“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is [indeed] plentiful, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.'”
Commentary: Jesus uses the metaphor of a plentiful harvest to describe the readiness of people to receive the Gospel. However, the scarcity of workers to gather this harvest is highlighted, prompting a call to prayer for more laborers. This passage emphasizes the urgency and the need for more missionaries to engage in the work of spreading the Gospel.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”
Commentary: Isaiah’s willing response to God’s call is a powerful example of readiness and willingness to serve. This verse reflects the attitude that God seeks in His servants—a readiness to go wherever He sends. It underscores the importance of availability and willingness in the mission field.
Mark 16:15
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'”
Commentary: This directive from Jesus calls for the preaching of the Gospel to all creation, emphasizing the universality of the message. It reinforces the Great Commission and the need to reach every part of the world with the Good News. This commandment underscores the inclusive nature of the Christian mission.
John 20:21
“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.'”
Commentary: Jesus’ words to His disciples establish a parallel between His mission from the Father and their mission in the world. This verse highlights the continuation of Jesus’ work through His followers, sending them out with the same peace and purpose. It underscores the role of believers as representatives of Christ’s mission.
1 Chronicles 16:24
“Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.”
Commentary: This verse from the Old Testament emphasizes the proclamation of God’s glory and works to all nations. It highlights the inclusiveness of God’s message and the need to declare His deeds beyond the boundaries of Israel. It serves as an early call to mission work, reflecting God’s desire for all peoples to know Him.
Psalm 96:3
“Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful works among all the peoples.”
Commentary: Similar to 1 Chronicles 16:24, this psalm reiterates the importance of declaring God’s glory among the nations. It reflects a consistent biblical theme of sharing God’s deeds and attributes with all people, reinforcing the mission to spread the knowledge of God globally.
Acts 13:47
“For that is what the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, So that You may bring [the message of eternal] salvation to the end of the earth.'”
Commentary: This verse underscores the role of believers as a light to the Gentiles, tasked with bringing the message of salvation to the ends of the earth. It reflects the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community to include all nations, fulfilling the prophetic calling given to Paul and Barnabas.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.”
Commentary: This verse presents believers as ambassadors for Christ, representing Him and making God’s appeal to the world. It emphasizes the role of Christians in the ministry of reconciliation, urging others to be reconciled to God. This ambassadorial role highlights the responsibility and privilege of participating in God’s redemptive work.
Matthew 24:14
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.”
Commentary: Jesus speaks of the global proclamation of the Gospel as a precursor to the end times. This verse underscores the necessity of reaching all nations with the message of the kingdom, suggesting that the fulfillment of this mission is integral to God’s plan for history.
Colossians 1:28
“We proclaim Him, warning and instructing everyone in all wisdom, that is, with comprehensive insight into the word and purposes of God, so that we may present every person complete in Christ [mature, fully trained, and perfect in Him—the Anointed].”
Commentary: Paul emphasizes the comprehensive nature of his mission: to proclaim Christ and teach everyone with all wisdom. The goal is to present everyone mature and complete in Christ. This verse highlights the holistic aspect of mission work, involving both evangelism and discipleship to achieve spiritual maturity in believers.
Romans 15:20
“And in this way I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ’s name has already been known, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation;”
Commentary: Paul expresses his desire to preach the Gospel in places where Christ is not yet known, reflecting a pioneering spirit in mission work. This verse emphasizes the importance of reaching unreached areas and people groups, ensuring that the message of Christ extends to new frontiers.
1 Corinthians 9:22
“To the weak I became as the weak, to win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.”
Commentary: Paul describes his adaptive approach to mission work, becoming all things to all people to save some. This verse highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and flexibility in evangelism, tailoring the approach to meet people where they are and effectively communicate the Gospel.
Psalm 96:3
“Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful works among all the peoples.”
Commentary: Similar to 1 Chronicles 16:24, this psalm reiterates the importance of declaring God’s glory among the nations. It reflects a consistent biblical theme of sharing God’s deeds and attributes with all people, reinforcing the mission to spread the knowledge of God globally.
Acts 13:47
“For that is what the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, So that You may bring [the message of eternal] salvation to the end of the earth.'”
Commentary: This verse underscores the role of believers as a light to the Gentiles, tasked with bringing the message of salvation to the ends of the earth. It reflects the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community to include all nations, fulfilling the prophetic calling given to Paul and Barnabas.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.”
Commentary: This verse presents believers as ambassadors for Christ, representing Him and making God’s appeal to the world. It emphasizes the role of Christians in the ministry of reconciliation, urging others to be reconciled to God. This ambassadorial role highlights the responsibility and privilege of participating in God’s redemptive work.
Matthew 24:14
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.”
Commentary: Jesus speaks of the global proclamation of the Gospel as a precursor to the end times. This verse underscores the necessity of reaching all nations with the message of the kingdom, suggesting that the fulfillment of this mission is integral to God’s plan for history.
Colossians 1:28
“We proclaim Him, warning and instructing everyone in all wisdom, that is, with comprehensive insight into the word and purposes of God, so that we may present every person complete in Christ [mature, fully trained, and perfect in Him—the Anointed].”
Commentary: Paul emphasizes the comprehensive nature of his mission: to proclaim Christ and teach everyone with all wisdom. The goal is to present everyone mature and complete in Christ. This verse highlights the holistic aspect of mission work, involving both evangelism and discipleship to achieve spiritual maturity in believers.
Romans 15:20
“And in this way I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ’s name has already been known, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation;”
Commentary: Paul expresses his desire to preach the Gospel in places where Christ is not yet known, reflecting a pioneering spirit in mission work. This verse emphasizes the importance of reaching unreached areas and people groups, ensuring that the message of Christ extends to new frontiers.
1 Corinthians 9:22
“To the weak I became as the weak, to win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.”
Commentary: Paul describes his adaptive approach to mission work, becoming all things to all people to save some. This verse highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and flexibility in evangelism, tailoring the approach to meet people where they are and effectively communicate the Gospel.
3 John 1:7-8
“For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. So we ought to support such people, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.”
Commentary: This passage encourages support for those who go out to spread the Gospel. It emphasizes that by supporting missionaries, believers become fellow workers in the truth, participating in the mission through their support. It highlights the collective effort required in mission work.
Romans 10:13-15
“For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord [in prayer] will be saved.’ But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher [messenger]? And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!'”
Commentary: This passage outlines the necessity of preaching for the spread of the Gospel. It raises rhetorical questions to emphasize the need for messengers who will proclaim the Good News. The quote from Isaiah underscores the beauty and importance of those who bring the message of salvation, highlighting the interconnectedness of believing, hearing, and preaching.
Matthew 9:37-38
“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is [indeed] plentiful, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.'”
Commentary: Jesus uses the metaphor of a plentiful harvest to describe the readiness of people to receive the Gospel. However, the scarcity of workers to gather this harvest is highlighted, prompting a call to prayer for more laborers. This passage emphasizes the urgency and the need for more missionaries to engage in the work of spreading the Gospel.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”
Commentary: Isaiah’s willing response to God’s call is a powerful example of readiness and willingness to serve. This verse reflects the attitude that God seeks in His servants—a readiness to go wherever He sends. It underscores the importance of availability and willingness in the mission field.
Mark 16:15
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'”
Commentary: This directive from Jesus calls for the preaching of the Gospel to all creation, emphasizing the universality of the message. It reinforces the Great Commission and the need to reach every part of the world with the Good News. This commandment underscores the inclusive nature of the Christian mission.
John 20:21
“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.'”
Commentary: Jesus’ words to His disciples establish a parallel between His mission from the Father and their mission in the world. This verse highlights the continuation of Jesus’ work through His followers, sending them out with the same peace and purpose. It underscores the role of believers as representatives of Christ’s mission.
1 Chronicles 16:24
“Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.”
Commentary: This verse from the Old Testament emphasizes the proclamation of God’s glory and works to all nations. It highlights the inclusiveness of God’s message and the need to declare His deeds beyond the boundaries of Israel. It serves as an early call to mission work, reflecting God’s desire for all peoples to know Him.
Psalm 96:3
“Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful works among all the peoples.”
Commentary: Similar to 1 Chronicles 16:24, this psalm reiterates the importance of declaring God’s glory among the nations. It reflects a consistent biblical theme of sharing God’s deeds and attributes with all people, reinforcing the mission to spread the knowledge of God globally.
Acts 13:47
“For that is what the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, So that You may bring [the message of eternal] salvation to the end of the earth.”
Commentary: This verse underscores the role of believers as a light to the Gentiles, tasked with bringing the message of salvation to the ends of the earth. It reflects the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community to include all nations, fulfilling the prophetic calling given to Paul and Barnabas.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.”
Commentary: This verse presents believers as ambassadors for Christ, representing Him and making God’s appeal to the world. It emphasizes the role of Christians in the ministry of reconciliation, urging others to be reconciled to God. This ambassadorial role highlights the responsibility and privilege of participating in God’s redemptive work.
Matthew 24:14
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.”
Commentary: Jesus speaks of the global proclamation of the Gospel as a precursor to the end times. This verse underscores the necessity of reaching all nations with the message of the kingdom, suggesting that the fulfillment of this mission is integral to God’s plan for history.
Colossians 1:28
“We proclaim Him, warning and instructing everyone in all wisdom, that is, with comprehensive insight into the word and purposes of God, so that we may present every person complete in Christ [mature, fully trained, and perfect in Him—the Anointed].”
Commentary: Paul emphasizes the comprehensive nature of his mission: to proclaim Christ and teach everyone with all wisdom. The goal is to present everyone mature and complete in Christ. This verse highlights the holistic aspect of mission work, involving both evangelism and discipleship to achieve spiritual maturity in believers.
Romans 15:20
“And in this way I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ’s name has already been known, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation;”
Commentary: Paul expresses his desire to preach the Gospel in places where Christ is not yet known, reflecting a pioneering spirit in mission work. This verse emphasizes the importance of reaching unreached areas and people groups, ensuring that the message of Christ extends to new frontiers.
1 Corinthians 9:22
“To the weak I became as the weak, to win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.”
Commentary: Paul describes his adaptive approach to mission work, becoming all things to all people to save some. This verse highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and flexibility in evangelism, tailoring the approach to meet people where they are and effectively communicate the Gospel.
What Does the Bible Say About Missions
The Bible teaches that missions are a vital part of the Christian faith. Missions mean spreading the message of God’s love and salvation to people all around the world. This is an important task for every Christian because it shows our obedience to God’s command and our love for others.
The Bible shows us that God loves all people and wants everyone to know Him. It tells us that God’s love is not limited to a certain group of people but extends to everyone, no matter where they live or what language they speak. Because of this, Christians are called to go out and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
Missions involve more than just telling people about Jesus; it also means helping them in practical ways. This can include providing food, medical care, education, and other forms of support to those in need. By doing this, Christians show God’s love in action, and it can open people’s hearts to the message of the gospel.
The Bible also teaches that missions are not just for a select few but for all believers. Every Christian has a role to play in spreading the message of Jesus. Some may go to other countries to share the gospel, while others can support these efforts through prayer, financial giving, or helping in their local communities. Everyone’s contribution is important and valuable in God’s plan.
Missions are about building relationships with people and showing them the love of God through our words and actions. It requires patience, kindness, and a genuine desire to see others come to know and love God. By participating in missions, Christians fulfill God’s command to make disciples of all nations, helping to bring hope and transformation to the world.